New Delhi: Stepping in as the Indian Men National Hockey team’s Chief Coach, Dutchman Paul van Ass is seen engrossed in spirited training sessions in the Capital at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, preparing for the fast approaching 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup to be held in Ipoh, Malaysia.

The upcoming tournament will be the first for Paul van Ass as the Chief Coach for team India and is expected to be vital to understand the strengths and the weaknesses of the team. While the team is in good shape and confident on the field during their practice sessions, Chief Coach Paul van Ass is also trying to leave no stones unturned in order to give the tour a positive start.

Speaking post the training session, Chief Coach Paul van Ass said, “All round fitness of the team is good and the boys are showing excellent dedication, but yes we will definitely be working on specific fitness. The key is to have patience during the game as it helps in better control of the ball and the match and the boys have increased their level of patience, which was evident during the Champions Trophy and I would like to work on the level of patience and help increase it further.”

He further added, “The Indian team has the tendency to rush for attacks during the game at times but the boys are definitely in better control now. Tactically and technically there is always scope of improving throughout one’s career and we are focussing to become stronger at all the key areas before starting our tour in Malaysia.”

The Indian Men Hockey Team will be participating in the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup at Malaysia from 5 April 2015 – 12 April 2015.

India will play their first match against Korea at 15:40 HRS IST on 5 April 2015.